3 Things to Know About New 49ers Punter Corliss Waitman

1. A Unique International Background and Athletic Foundation

Corliss Waitman‘s journey to the NFL is anything but typical, with a background that spans across multiple countries and sports. Born in Belgium in 1995, Waitman’s father was playing basketball overseas at the time. The family moved to the Netherlands before eventually settling in Florida when Waitman was 15. While his early years were spent playing soccer, he transitioned to football when he joined Milton High School in Milton, Florida. This change in sports allowed Waitman to develop his athleticism in a unique way, with a foundation in soccer that would later complement his punting abilities, helping him stand out as a versatile athlete.

2. All-Conference Punter at South Alabama

After high school, Waitman continued his football journey by committing to South Alabama in 2014, where he played as a two-star recruit. Over the next five years, he played for the South Alabama Jaguars, where he made a significant impact. In 40 games, Waitman punted 158 times, averaging 42.7 yards per punt. His performance earned him All-Sun Belt honors, a reflection of his consistency and skill.

In 2019, Waitman transferred to Mississippi State, but due to NCAA eligibility issues, he had to sit out the season. Despite this setback, his previous experience with South Alabama helped him prepare for a professional career. His college years were marked by steady improvement in his punting technique, and by the time he entered the NFL, he was ready to make an impact at the professional level.

3. Six-Year NFL Veteran with Multiple Teams

Waitman entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2020, signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Despite the lack of draft recognition, he quickly proved his worth. Over the next few years, he played for several teams, including the Las Vegas Raiders, New England Patriots, Denver Broncos, and Chicago Bears. Throughout his six-year career, Waitman has accumulated impressive stats, punting 230 times over 52 games, averaging 46.4 yards per punt and 41.7 net yards per punt. Additionally, 36.5% of his punts landed inside the opponent’s 20-yard line, a crucial statistic for any punter looking to help their defense set up favorable field positions.

In 2026, the San Francisco 49ers signed Waitman to replace Thomas Morstead as their punter. While Morstead had been a reliable veteran for the team, Waitman’s experience and proven consistency made him an ideal choice to take over the role. Now, with a fresh start in San Francisco, Waitman is expected to help the 49ers maintain a strong special teams unit throughout the 2026 season.

The Road Ahead for Corliss Waitman with the San Francisco 49ers

In joining the San Francisco 49ers, Waitman is set to continue his career with a team that is competing for a Super Bowl. While the punter position may not always grab the headlines, it plays a critical role in field position and special teams. With 49ers’ defense being one of the best in the league, Waitman‘s ability to place the ball deep and pin opponents inside their own 20-yard line will be key to their overall success.

Though not necessarily the flashiest name on the roster, Waitman’s consistency and proven track record will help the 49ers in important moments throughout the season. With a history of solid performances across several teams, Corliss Waitman will be an integral part of the 49ers’ special teams in the upcoming year. He may not be a star, but his role is vital in helping the 49ers achieve their goal of contending for a title in 2026.